Interview with Will Anthony

08 Mar Interview with Will Anthony

Will Anthony is an artist at heart, skilled PMU technician by trade and world renowned master trainer. His passion for incorporating creativity into his highly successful permanent makeup clinic and advanced training courses is infectious, which is why we didn’t hesitate to extend an invitation for him to share his knowledge and expertise at the forthcoming UK 2017 PMU Conference.

As the owner of the renowned Will Anthony Permanent Cosmetics Clinic and Advanced Training Centre in the USA, his extensive experience and dedication to the industry which spans 2 decades, has resulted in him gaining a following of loyal clients and admiring fans, who aspire to emulate the success of this formidable leader who has a first class industry reputation.

Famed for his trademark ‘Smokey Eyelash Enhancement’ technique and Will Anthony King Coil device, we couldn’t wait to ask the man himself some questions about his own personal business development goals and why he’s looking forward to meeting delegates at the UK 2017 Conference in April.

1. As an international trainer who frequently demonstrates your techniques and skills all over the world, what made you decide to come to London and join the keynote speakers at the U.K. 2017 PMU Conference in April?

I am honored to be invited to be a part of the PMU Conference. I enjoy traveling and anytime I have the chance to take the stage alongside such talented artists, you bet I’ll jump at the opportunity.

2. You’ve been in the industry for over 20 years now and have established yourself and the Will Anthony brand as a leading education provider. With a successful training academy and popular ‘King Coil’ PMU device, evolution has always been integral to your development. Do you have any immediate plans to expand the business further over the next couple of years and if so, what areas are you keen to focus on?

I believe in small and intimate training so expanding my trainings would mean booking more frequent classes, which has been the trend lately. I have recently added a new piece of equipment that has taken years to create and perfect, the Will Anthony® Prince Coil. I am concentrating on getting this machine out and into the hands of qualified techs who are looking for a new machine to advance their techniques.

3. In several of your press interviews you’ve made references towards your belief that technicians should strive to develop a signature style, but only when they’ve mastered the fundamental basics of PMU to perfection. How important has focusing on a niche technique been to your success and PR?

I owe all my success to being focused on every point of business, not just my niche in eyeliner. There are so many aspects to being, not only a successful permanent make up artist, but a successful business owner. People sometimes feel they need to add more services to keep up with the competition, but the key is perfecting 1 or 2 services, keeping focus on those services and running a business. What are the chances that someone can perfect and be the best at every service? Probably slim, so take what you’re good at and focus and become the best.

4. What advice would you give to PMU Technicians and Cosmetic Tattoo Artists in the first five years of their business, who are keen to try out a range of devices and pigments, but are nervous about making multiple investments, when there are so many well marketed models available to buy, that influential trainers promote and use?

Do your research. Don’t just buy a machine that a famous artist uses, or equipment that is marketed well. Network yourself and meet other technicians so that you can get their feedback and maybe even trade or try each others machines and equipment. The last thing you want is to be stuck with an expensive machine that you can’t use or don’t like.

5. Tell us a little more about the bespoke ‘Stretch-uniques™’ which you’ve developed and the importance of post procedure touch ups to attain long term flawless results.

I feel that you can have the best tattoo machine, the ideal client, the best pigment and the right needle but if your stretch is not on point all of those are useless. The stretch is key and I see so many artists who allow the client to control the procedure. With the stretches I have created it is absolutely impossible for a clients to move and interrupt the procedure. The touch up is essential so you can see how your work is healing. You will be able to see things that you couldn’t see during the first procedure. I feel that it is always necessary to get that client back in your studio to add the finishing touches

6. What’s the most memorable business advice you’ve ever been given?

“A business that makes nothing but money is a poor business.” – Henry Ford